TIMELINE AND KEY DISCOVERIES IN BIOCHEMISTRY
1. 1800s - Early Discoveries:
- 1828: Friedrich Wöhler synthesizes urea, challenging the idea that organic compounds can
only be derived from living organisms.
- 1833-1836: Anselme Payen and Jean-François Persoz discover the enzyme amylase.
- 1869: Johann Miescher isolates nuclein (later identified as DNA) from the nuclei of white
blood cells.
2. Early 1900s - Enzyme Kinetics and Vitamins:
- 1913: Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten formulate the Michaelis-Menten equation, laying
the foundation for enzyme kinetics.
- 1926: James B. Sumner crystallizes and isolates the enzyme urease.
- 1928: Frederick Hopkins identifies the concept of "accessory factors" (later known as
vitamins).
3. Mid-1900s - DNA Structure and Central Dogma:
- 1953: James Watson and Francis Crick propose the double helix structure of DNA.
- 1958: Frederick Sanger determines the sequence of the insulin molecule.
- 1961: Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich Matthaei decipher the first codon of the genetic code.
4. Late 1900s - Recombinant DNA and Molecular Biology:
- 1972: Paul Berg creates the first recombinant DNA molecules.
- 1983: Kary Mullis develops the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.
- 1990: The Human Genome Project is launched, aiming to map and sequence the entire
human genome.
5. 21st Century - Structural Biology and CRISPR-Cas9:
- 2003: Completion of the Human Genome Project.
- 2012: Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier develop the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-
editing technology.
- 2020s: Continued advancements in structural biology, personalized medicine, and
understanding complex cellular processes.
This timeline highlights key discoveries in biochemistry, from foundational concepts to cutting-
edge technologies shaping the field.
SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It is a
broad field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from the molecules of life to the
complex pathways that allow cells to function. Biochemistry plays a vital role in many
aspects of our lives, from the food we eat to the medicines we take.
In recent years, there have been many exciting scientific advancements in biochemistry.
These advancements have led to a better understanding of the molecular basis of life
and have also paved the way for new medical treatments and diagnostic tools.
Here are a few examples of recent scientific advancements in biochemistry:
1. Discovery of new enzymes: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical
reactions in living organisms. In recent years, scientists have discovered many
new enzymes, including enzymes that can degrade plastics and other pollutants.
www.biology.arizona.edu
Enzymes catalyzing chemical reactions
2. Development of new gene-editing technologies: Gene-editing technologies, such
as CRISPR/Cas9, have revolutionized our ability to manipulate genes. These
technologies have the potential to cure genetic diseases and to develop new
crops with improved yields.
www.gao.gov
Gene editing technologies
3. Development of new drugs: Biochemistry has played a key role in the
development of many new drugs, including drugs for cancer, heart disease, and
HIV/AIDS.
www.freepik.com
New drugs for cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS
4. Development of new diagnostic tools: Biochemistry has also been used to
develop new diagnostic tools, such as blood tests and MRI scans, which can be
used to detect diseases early.
cura4u.com
Blood tests and MRI scans
5. Better understanding of the gut microbiome: The gut microbiome is the
community of bacteria that live in the human intestine. In recent years, scientists
have learned more about the role of the gut microbiome in health and disease.
This knowledge has led to the development of new treatments for conditions
such as obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
wwww.frontiersin.org
Gut microbiome
These are just a few examples of the many exciting scientific advancements that have
been made in biochemistry in recent years. These advancements have had a profound
impact on our understanding of the molecular basis of life and have also paved the way
for new medical treatments and diagnostic tools. Biochemistry is a rapidly growing field,
and we can expect to see even more innovative applications of biochemistry in the
years to come.
BIOCHEMISTRY IN EVERYDAY ITEMS
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes that occur in living organisms. It is a
broad field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from the molecules of life to the
complex pathways that allow cells to function. Biochemistry plays a vital role in many
aspects of our lives from the food we eat to the medicines we take.
Here are a few examples of how biochemistry is used in everyday items:
Food: Biochemistry is essential for understanding how our bodies digest and
absorb nutrients from food. It is also involved in the development of new foods
and food additives. For example, enzymes are used to break down fats, proteins,
and carbohydrates in food, while vitamins and minerals are essential for many
biochemical processes.
www.health.harvard.edu
Vitamins and minerals in food
Medicine: Biochemistry is used to develop new drugs and to understand how
existing drugs work. It is also used to diagnose and treat diseases. For example,
antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, while antiviral drugs are used to treat viruses.
www.researchgate.net
Antibiotics drug
Personal care products: Biochemistry is used to develop personal care products,
such as soap, shampoo, and cosmetics. It is also used to understand how these
products work on our skin and hair. For example, soap molecules interact with
the dirt and oil on our skin to remove them, while shampoo molecules make our
hair more manageable.
Cosmetics: Biochemistry is used to develop cosmetics, such as lipstick, mascara,
and foundation. It is also used to understand how these products work on our
skin and hair. For example, lipstick is made of pigments and waxes, while
mascara is made of long-chain polymers that coat the eyelashes.
sephora.com
Foundation
Industrial processes: Biochemistry is used in a variety of industrial processes,
such as papermaking, brewing, and biofuel production. It is also used to develop
new materials and to improve existing products. For example, enzymes are used
to break down cellulose fibers in papermaking, while yeast is used to ferment
sugars in brewing.
www.mdpi.com
Biofuel production
Agriculture: Biochemistry is used to improve crop yields and to develop new pest
and disease-resistant crops. It is also used to understand how plants and
animals grow and develop. For example, pesticides are used to kill pests that
damage crops, while fertilizers are used to provide plants with nutrients.
www.ugaoo.com
Fertilizers
Biochemistry is a fascinating and ever-growing field that has a profound impact on our
lives. As we continue to learn more about the complex workings of living organisms, we
can expect to see even more innovative applications of biochemistry in the years to
come.
